UNSW appoints new law dean

Professor George Williams AO has been appointed dean of the University Of New South Wales Faculty Of Law.

Williams, who will begin the role in June, takes over from Professor David Dixon who will retire after 10 years in the job.

“Now is an exciting time to be taking on the role of dean,” Williams said.

“A focus of my work over many years has been to communicate about the law and to seek law reform that benefits the community. Law schools must do more of this. I want to see UNSW Law make a difference to the quality of people's lives.

“The UNSW 2025 Strategy is a bold and ambitious agenda that offers great opportunities to improve our teaching, research and service to the community.”

In 2000, Williams joined UNSW from ANU when he was appointed Anthony Mason Professor of Law and Foundation Director of the Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law. He continues to practise as a barrister and holds an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship focussing on anti-terror laws and democracy. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for his work in the field.

“Professor Williams is one of Australia’s leading constitutional lawyers and public commentators and he brings an unrivalled combination of intellectual leadership, social impact and engagement to the role of Dean,” said UNSW president and vice-chancellor, Ian Jacobs.

“I am confident George will build on the law school’s already impressive achievements and guide it to new heights as we implement the University’s 2025 Strategy.”

Jacobs said the law school had prospered under the leadership of Dixon, saying he had taken the faculty from strength to strength.